Three-banded Scoliid Wasp
Dielis trifasciata
This record describes Dielis trifasciata (species). Recorded family: Scoliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The females are separated from other members of the genus in Florida in that they have only three abdominal bands. The pronotum has a strong fringe of pale rather than brown setae. ♀ The males have four bands on the abdomen, much like other members of the genus. The yellow markings are a deeper yellow than in males of the other eastern species, D. plumipes and D. dorsata . The strong and extensive yellow on the legs and on the clypeus further distinguish D. trifasciata males. ♂
Wikipedia reference for Dielis trifasciata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielis_trifasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Scolioidea
- Family
- Scoliidae (Scoliid Wasps)
- Tribe
- Campsomerini
- Genus
- Dielis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL; Greater Antilles and Bahamas
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dielis trifasciata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Three-banded Scoliid Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by v belov | Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Three-banded Scoliid Wasp
What is Three-banded Scoliid Wasp?
Three-banded Scoliid Wasp (Dielis trifasciata) is a species in the family Scoliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Three-banded Scoliid Wasp?
The females are separated from other members of the genus in Florida in that they have only three abdominal bands. The pronotum has a strong fringe of pale rather than brown setae. ♀ The males have four bands on the abdomen, much like other members of the genus. The yellow markings are a deeper yellow than in males of the other eastern species, D. plumipes and D. dorsata . The strong and extensive yellow on the legs and on the clypeus further distinguish D. trifasciata males. ♂
Where is Three-banded Scoliid Wasp found?
Range: FL; Greater Antilles and Bahamas